Residential remodelers can safely modify a single truss if they understand the load and closely follow basic rules

When You Have
To Cut
A Truss
Residential remodelers can
safely modify a single truss if
they understand the load and
closely follow basic rules
by Clayton DeKorne
The warnings from truss manufacturers are very clear:
you are risking structural failure if you cut into a truss. The
warning shouldn't be taken lightly. However, on some
remodeling jobs, trusses have to be modified.
When you must cut into a truss, the only path offered
by the Truss Plate Institute is to "consult an engineer."
That's fine when you need to modify a number of trusses
for a large addition. But for small projects when you're
only dealing with a single truss—to fit a skylight, chimney
or